Aside from antibiotics used to directly treat particular disorders, biotechnology has also been applied in the creation of antimicrobial materials that are, in turn, used by manufacturers of medical tools and supplies in their products. These antimicrobials are designed to prevent, if not reduce the amount and occurrence of harmful germs and bacteria that could harm patients or worsen their condition. Thanks to the advances in medical technology, the production standards of manufacturers and companies are indicative of how they recognize their heavy responsibility when it comes to health care.
Polymedix, Inc. is one of these companies. Focused on the development of therapeutic drugs to treat infectious diseases and cardiovascular disorders, this biotechnology company is also engaged in the production of these antimicrobials and antimicrobial additives that are meant to reduce the risk of microbial infections. Antimicrobial additives are found in products such as wound dressings, cosmetics, fabrics, plastics, textiles, and other medical devices.
PolyMedix has a pipeline of innovative infectious disease and cardiovascular product candidates, all of which were internally developed using a proprietary drug discovery technology platform.
PolyMedix’s lead infectious disease compound is PMX-30063, the first drug of a completely new class of antibiotics, the defensin-mimetics. The defensin-mimetic antibiotics are designed to imitate the mechanism of natural human immunity — the host defense proteins. By mimicking the mechanism of action of the host defense proteins, PMX-30063 works completely differently from known biochemical antibiotics, and exploits a method of bacterial cell killing that significantly reduces the risk of bacterial resistance. PMX-30063 has completed enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial to treat patients with Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI).
PolyMedix’s lead cardiovascular compound is PMX-60056, which is designed to normalize blood clotting and reduce bleeding in certain interventional cardiology procedures, as well as treat bleeding in emergency situations, where heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are used. PMX-60056 has met safety and efficacy endpoints in four clinical trials conducted to date demonstrating proof of concept. PMX-60056 is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients undergoing PCI, and in a Phase 1B/2 dose ranging clinical trial with the LMWH enoxaparin.
Nicholas Landekic, President and CEO of PolyMedix, presented at BIO CEO last month in New York City. Since starting PolyMedix, Mr. Landekic has successfully secured over $115 million in funding from public and private capital raises and government contracts and grants.